Compliance
The Group places an emphasis on observing applicable laws and ordinances.
We will promote sound business activities by maintaining good relationships with our business partners and all other stakeholders.
Compliance and risk management in the Company
Compliance Committee
The Group has established the Compliance Statement and System and the Group Compliance Regulations. We also hold meetings of the Group Compliance Committee, which is chaired by a director of the Company, on a regular basis to thoroughly ensure compliance with laws and ordinances by the entire Group by reporting and sharing specific cases.
Whistleblowing system
The Group’s Internal Reporting System was created along with “Regulations for the Group’s Internal Reporting System” with the aim of establishing a system for internally reporting violations of organizational rules and laws and ordinances, and restraining and remedying such acts. The Group Compliance Committee conducts fact-finding investigations, and upon determining that illegal acts or misconduct have been committed, may issue orders to stop such acts or misconduct immediately. The system also ensures that whistleblowers are protected from disadvantageous treatment.
Responding to disasters
The Group has created a Disaster Crisis Management Manual. To be prepared for disasters, which can occur anywhere at any time, we have established guidelines for actions in the event of earthquakes, fires, wind and flood damage, and other disasters, giving top priority to ensuring the safety of customers and employees. Our employees follow the manual to swiftly report, evacuate, and provide evacuation guidance, among other actions. We also keep emergency stockpiles at our stores that include relief supplies, supplies for restoration operations, drinking water, food, clothing, and more.
Observing laws and ordinances relevant to home appliance/electronics retail business
Fair trade with business partners
To realize the goal of “customers come first,” we believe it is important to maintain good relationships with our business partners. Doing so enables us to consistently provide customers with quality merchandise as well as satisfactory delivery and installation services.
Therefore, we put a special emphasis on complying with the Subcontract Act, and prohibiting “abuse of superior bargaining position,” an unfair trade practice according to the Act on Prohibition of Private Monopolization and Maintenance of Fair Trade.
Management of personal information
On a day-to-day basis, the Company handles personal information of a large number of customers in such situations as receiving applications for delivery and installation services, and registering customer information upon the purchase of products covered by free long-term warranty. Therefore, on April 16, 2024, we obtained the PrivacyMark accreditation from the Japan Institute for Promotion of Digital Economy and Community (JIPDEC) as a part of our efforts to ensure the proper protection and management of personal information. In case of a leakage of personal information, we have established a system that requires immediate reporting in accordance with the procedures stipulated by the Personal Information Protection Committee.
[Overview of the PrivacyMark accreditation]
Registration number: No. 17004840
Effective period: April 16, 2024 – April 15, 2026
Reviewing body: Japan Institute for Promotion of Digital Economy and Community (JIPDEC)
*Obtained by K’s Holding Corporation on a non-consolidated basis
Non-retention of credit card information
Home appliance/electronics have relatively high prices. Accordingly, the percentage of payments by credit card has been increasing year after year. The Company has introduced a computer system that accommodates the non-retention of credit card information. Our e-commerce website also features a system in which we do not retain credit card information.
Membership in the Home Electric Appliances Fair Trade Conference
The Company is a member of the Home Electric Appliances Fair Trade Conference. We joined the organization to eliminate erroneous information, exaggerated advertising, unclear price displays, and the like in compliance with the organization’s fair competition code, thereby providing an environment in which customers can buy home appliance/electronics with peace of mind.
Recycling laws and disposal of information devices
In accordance with the Law for the Recycling of Specified Kinds of Home Appliances (Home Appliance Recycling Law), we receive used televisions, refrigerators, washing machines, and air-conditioners from customers along with collection and transport fees, and take responsibility for appropriately handing them over to manufacturers for recycling. We also receive used and discarded home appliances other than the four specified items from customers along with a disposal fee, which we appropriately hand over to recycling operators certified by the government in accordance with the Act on Promotion of Recycling of Small Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (Small Home Appliance Recycling Law). Specifically, we strengthen our management of computers by transporting them in locked containers.
Qualifications, etc. required for store operation
A wide range of qualifications are required for those engaging in store operation, including “secondhand dealer,” “fire prevention manager based on the Fire Service Act,” “seller of medical devices,” and “Class 2 health officer.” We appropriately manage this by ensuring that all necessary qualifications are acquired.
Basic Policy for Dealing with Antisocial Forces
The Group has set out the Basic Policy for Dealing with Antisocial Forces as follows, which all officers and employees abide by in an effort to ensure the propriety and safety of operations.
- 1. Organizational action
- We take action against antisocial forces as an organization to ensure the safety of employees faced with unreasonable demands.
- 2. Collaboration with external expert organizations
- To prepare for unreasonable demands from antisocial forces, we strive to establish close, collaborative relationships with external expert organizations, including the police, the National Center for Removal of Criminal Organizations, and attorneys.
- 3. Civil and criminal legal action
- We resolutely refuse and take civil and criminal legal action against unreasonable demands from antisocial forces.
- 4. Complete severing of relationships (including transactions)
- We completely sever relationships (including transactions) with antisocial forces.
- 5. Prohibition of backroom dealing and funding
- We never engage in backroom dealing with, or provide funding to antisocial forces.